Goldie
Saturnzreturn
(ffr/London)
British producer Goldie must have friends in high places ‘cuz everyone from David Bowie to KRS-1 to Noel Gallagher makes an appearance on Saturnzreturn. However, it’s not the rock star cameos that make this a particularly fine (double) album. (Though Bowie’s contribution, “Truth,” is quite good, and so is the hidden track that follows it.) Elsewhere, “Believe” is fueled by the soul power of Diane Charlemagne’s cosmic vocals and colored nicely by fugal and mute horns, courtesy of John Eastcoat. The true serenity continues on “Letter of Fate,” a track set adrift with sensuous, alien calm. Undoubtedly, this record will be embraced by the electronica/acid-jazz/trip-hop crowds, but don’t let that discourage you. After all, why should filthy rich, trust-fund brats have all the fun? Ignore the elitism and listen to some good music.
Mike Cade